Despite holding status as world champions of test cricket, Blackcaps veteran Ross Taylor says it's no surprise New Zealand are big underdogs for the two-match series in India.
The Blackcaps beat India in Southampton in June by eight wickets to claim the inaugural World Test Championship and sit proudly atop the ICC rankings as the best side in the world.
But it doesn't get any tougher than playing India in Indian conditions, and Tayor knows the Blackcaps face a stiff task matching an Indian side looking for a measure of revenge.
"We know we'll be the underdog," Taylor says.
"When you play India at their home, you're always going to be the underdog regardless of whether you're the world No.1 or where they fit in international cricket at the time.
"I don't think there's probably a harder assignment than playing India away.
"Obviously they're resting a few players but they're still a formidable side - they know these conditions really well and the way we adapt to these conditions is going to be the key."
India will be without superstar captain Virat Kohli for at least the first test at Kanpur, with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant skipping the entire series.
But the Indian spin bowling attack is at full strength with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and man of the series against England earlier this year, Axar Patel likely to play both tests.
England's batsmen were humiliated in the in three of four tests of that series, passing 200 twice in eight innings, put in by spin by Patel, Jadeja and Ashwin.
Taylor says the challenge is going to be difficult on wickets that will turn square from ball one.
But he says the onus falls on the batsman to give themselves time to settle against the daunting trio.
"For us, it's about being able to pick up the length as quick as possible and trusting your defence. When there are a lot of men around the bat, it can be an intimidating place to start your innings.
"Getting through those first 10-20 balls over here is going to be crucial - it's a bit of a cliche but things do get easier.
"Obviously survival is a big thing but you've got to score and put some pressure on the bowlers."
And Taylor is confident New Zealand's spin attack will be up for the challenge of stifling a batting lineup missing two superstars in Kohli and Rohit.
Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Will Sommerville, Rachin Ravindra and part-timer Glenn Phillips have been doing the hard yards in the nets, with no practice bowlers allowed to join the teams' bubble.
"Our preparation so far has been fantastic - obviously a little bit different, not having net bowlers come in, so facing our bowlers as preparation has been key.
"Everybody's been lining up to face the spinners, they've bowled a lot of overs! Normally you've got 10-15 net bowlers of spin to practice against."
The first test gets underway on Thursday at 5pm. [Join us for live updates]
